A chatbot is software which enables a conversation between a computer and a user. The user sends a message and the bot replies with a pre-written response.

You use the same software you’d use to chat to friends; Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or Skype. But instead of a human replying, it’s a machine.

The vast majority of chatbots today are built based on a decision-tree logic, where the response given by the bot depends on specific keywords identified in the user's input. This is augmented with some artificial intelligence to handle a wider range of phrases from users.

How can it help my business?

There are a number of specific ways a chatbot can help:

Customer Support – Chatbots can allow customers to check on order status, file a complaint, create an incident, or give feedback. When customers want help, the chatbot can deal with routine enquiries before escalating to a human customer representative for more complicated situations, if required.

e-Commerce – You can present specific products to customers and get their responses immediately, in an experience much closer to the one they might have with a shop assistant. Vinyl store “The Edit” has used chatbot technology to sell $1 million worth of records in its first 8 months.

How do I start?

1. Script the conversation

Think of this as a screen play where you’re writing both sides of the dialogue. It’s a good idea to start with a question and some pre-written responses to prompt first-time users.

For example, after an open question like “How can I help you?”, offer prompts like “Browse products”, “Inspire me” or “Customer Service” You’re creating a story for the user to follow, guiding them as they go.

2. Make it intelligent

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is where they system matches words and phrases from the user to prewritten responses. This allows for the conversation to go “off-script” but retain engagement with the user. For example, if the user says “Hi”, “Hello” or a variation of this at the start of the conversation, the bot can respond with an equally friendly greeting.

3. Test it out

It’s important to try your bot out before you unleash it on the world. Chatfuel is just one of an emerging number of tools, enabling small business without in-house software development skills to create and launch simple chatbots on Facebook Messenger. It’s a great proving ground. Of course, you’ll need a developer to create more sophisticated behaviour or integrate with other systems.

4. Get social

Facebook Messenger bots are accessed via your company’s Facebook page. As well as linking the “Send Message” button to your chat bot, you’ll want to promote it in posts or direct customers to in your replies.

Some tips

Finally, here’s a few things to bear in mind when creating your first chatbot.

Accuracy in understanding is the #1 issue. The more you can anticipate in the script, the better.

With the current limits of AI, structured conversations with canned choices work best. This reduces the risk of customers not knowing where to start or hitting dead ends.

It does need personality. It doesn't need to be a ‘character’. Think helpful assistant, don’t think Microsoft’s Clippy.

It needs a logical structure. But ultimately, it’s all about good writing.

Base the experience around an area your customer needs help with now, rather than trying to create a whole new customer behaviour.

What’s stopping you?

Your first chatbot won’t be perfect on day one, but the important thing is to take the first step.

Keep it simple initially and listen to your customers as you go. Read the conversations and feed this back to the bot to make it better, smarter and more enjoyable for your customer to use.

Peter Edmonson has designed over two hundred digital projects, from websites and intranets, to software applications and apps. In that time, he’s been fortunate enough to win a few awards and work on projects for the world’s leading brands including Apple, Coca-Cola, GE, Toyota and Unilever. Pete is an Information Architect at Bray Leino.